Bulls chairman Chris Caisley was highly critical of referee Russell Smith's performance as the Saints bogey struck again at Twickenham.

"I thought both sides defended very well and the only way either side was going to score was from kicks and they were better in that department than us," he said.

"But I also thought the referee didn't help us. To sin-bin Shane Rigon as early as the tenth minute for obstruction when it wasn't even a penalty try was a bit outrageous. That really set the tone for the game I thought.

"Ten minutes later I thought Robbie Paul was obstructed in a similar situation and nothing was done. I didn't think he was even-handed and overall I thought we got the wrong end of the stick.

"I didn't think there was that much between the sides to be honest, it all came down to the kicking. But I honestly think if we could have got over the line we would have won the game, that's how I saw it.

"These sides are so close though it hinged on the bounce of a ball. For their second try if it hadn't hit Daniel Gartner on the leg we would have cleaned it up no problem. These things happen but unfortunately they don't seem to go in our favour in the big games. You can go back to the Grand Final in 1999 and Michael Withers interception. It was a matter of finger tips on that occasion."

Bulls hooker James Lowes revealed he had spoken to referee Smith at half-time such was his concern at St Helens tactics in defence.

The Bulls attack was constantly put under pressure as the Saints moved out of the marker position and stopped them gaining their usual momentum.

"It seemed they were just stood side by side at marker and I had a word with Russell at half-time but it didn't seem to change," said Lowes whose frustration was clear to see when he was substituted by Paul Deacon ten minutes from time.

"They just weren't stood square which are the rules but it wasn't the only reason for our defeat.

"It was extremely disappointing because I thought it was a game we were always in. But when the chances came along we didn't take them. That was the difference. They took two quality chances.

"I thought our kicking game was pretty good but we let ourselves down a few times by letting them get out of their in-goal area and couldn't keep the pressure on.

"We lost a lot of ball at crucial times. If we could have got a couple of back-to-back sets we could have scored but it's all ifs and buts.

"Once they had scored a couple of tries I felt our heads went down a little bit. But if we had managed to score I am sure we would have been up again.

"We tried our hearts out and with a couple of lucky breaks it might have been a different story but it didn't happen for us this year.

"Warrington at home on Wednesday is going to be another tough game because they beat St Helens in their last match. It is important we get back to winning ways as quickly as possible."